Philadelphia, PA, June 18, 2024 – The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EAS Carpenters Union) announced today a first-of-its-kind partnership with Lyft, Inc. through the rideshare company’s Jobs Access program that provides reliable and affordable transportation to underserved populations. Through the program, eligible individuals have access to complimentary rides to and from training centers and job sites.

“Access to reliable transportation remains a significant barrier for many of those wanting to enter the construction industry,” said William C. Sproule, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. “Ensuring that our apprentices have access to and from training centers and job sites is key to building a strong and inclusive workforce. We’re excited by and proud of the program’s initial success and look forward to working with Lyft to expand the initiative across our other markets.”

The program is currently active in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and Edison, New Jersey, offering pre-apprentices in the Carpenters Apprentice Ready Program (CARP) and apprentices increased access to employment opportunities where public transportation is unreliable or limited. Since the program’s launch, Lyft has provided over 250 rides and has served a diverse range of demographics, including Black individuals (83%), Hispanic individuals (9%), and White individuals (4.5%).

“The Eastern Atlantic States Technical Centers aims to create an accessible pathway to becoming a union journeyperson by eliminating barriers to quality training,” said Robert Smith, Executive Training Director & Chief Administrative Officer for Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Centers. “Through our proud partnership with Lyft, we strive to address common challenges for commuters such as time constraints associated with public transportation and significant expenses such as gas and bus fares. By offering transportation support, particularly to first-year apprentices, we ensure consistent class attendance which is vital for their progression and eventual increase in earning potential within the program.”

“Reliable transportation to a job interview or to job training can mean the difference between successful, long-term employment and lost opportunities,” said Eleise Richards, Lyft Public Policy Manager. “Lyft is proud to partner with the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters to help connect their trainees to essential workshops and workforce development programs. By providing access to rides we are working together to help participants who are looking to further their careers, reach their full potential, and improve their lives.”

“We are deeply committed to fostering opportunities for aspiring carpenters and bolstering the construction industry’s talent pool,” said Anthony Abrantes, Assistant Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. “Our partnership with Lyft represents a significant step forward in breaking down the transportation barrier many candidates face. By providing access to reliable transportation, we ensure that these individuals can fully participate in our apprentice and pre-apprentice programs, leading to sustainable and rewarding careers in carpentry. Benefitting both the business community and workforce.”

For more information about the Lyft Jobs Access program, please visit: https://www.lyft.com/lyftup/jobs-access

About The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters

The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters is a labor union that develops, trains, and empowers the hardworking men and women of the skilled construction trades. The EAS Carpenters Union has a strong presence in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia, overseeing 25 local unions representing over 42,000 union carpenters. Our members are professionally trained in various crafts outside of general carpentry, including interior systems, high-rise construction, concrete, and heavy highway infrastructure. Our specialty crafts include pile drivers, dock builders, commercial divers, floor layers, millworkers/cabinet makers, millwrights, and tradeshow workers.

About Lyft

Lyft is one of the largest transportation networks in North America, bringing together rideshare, bikes, and scooters all in one app. We are customer-obsessed and driven by our purpose: getting riders out into the world so they can live their lives together, and providing drivers a way to work that gives them control over their time and money.

###